HELP! Milk supply went low!

Sarsi · Jul 1st, 2008, 02:32 PM

I had a 48 hour bug last weekend and my milk seem to have dried up or something...
I still have milk but not as much as before I got sick.
My 3 month old DS is complaining but just wont take the supplement on the bottle.

I am now nursing or pumping every 2 hours or even less and taking fenugreek
to help get my milk going again but right now I dont think its enough.

I already called our Pediatrician this morning and I'm still waiting for a response from them.

Please help... advise.... if any of you ladies been in this situation...

I am just worried that my little one would lose too much weight or worst...

ChristyR143 · Jul 1st, 2008, 03:11 PM

First of all, take a deep breath and relax!! This is not a big issue and it's easy, easy to fix....all you need to do is:

NURSE NURSE NURSE!!! As much as your baby will. Your body will catch up.

Don't try to supplement, because that could actually cause some derailing of your efforts. Really, the very best way to increase supply is frequent nursing sessions.

Again...don't worry, and just nurse! It'll be okay!

Sternchen · Jul 1st, 2008, 03:47 PM

I know how distressing this can be, but the best thing to do right now is to relax and concentrate on your baby and getting your milk supply back up. Keep nursing or pumping (even if nothing is coming) in order to build up your supply again. It will more than likely come back. If you're deadset on breastfeeding then I wouldn't try to supplement just yet, because like Christy said - it could derail your efforts.

Take the Fenugreek and drink teas that will help to boost production

Sarsi · Jul 1st, 2008, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the advice ladies...
been really stressing about it...

and am now trying to relax.... LOL!

I just get all worked up whenever I nurse and see my poor baby complain while nursing him,
I wont try to give him a bottle anymore (he actually haven't even taken it)
and will nurse him more often.

I hope it works soon!
Thanks again!

sarahsar · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:43 PM

It's not uncommon that being sick will decrease your milk supply. As others have said here, nurse as much as possible to keep the supply up. Also, stay well hydrated and eat well. Oatmeal is supposed to help, and fenugreek. There are also prescription medications that can help (I think Reglan? But don't quote me on that).

addicted2chanel · Jul 1st, 2008, 06:17 PM

Sarsi, don't worry! Nurse him frequently, it takes your body a few days to catch up. Sometimes even four! DS isn't going to starve in that time

If he's really super hungry he will take the bottle eventually. Have you tried giving th supplement through a contact nipple shield and a syringe if he doesn't like to take the supplement that much??
Also, don't stress!! It's bad for nursing mommies!! If you're stressed out you and your baby will both have difficulty

So just take a bath or do something relaxing!

kimberf · Jul 1st, 2008, 08:55 PM

Hi Sarsi - Sorry to hear you were sick and this is going on. Your production should pick up again soon. If it doesn't, you might want to also try some other supplements -- More Milk Plus by Motherlove is good. If you end up trying the prescription meds (Domperidone , also known as Reglan), pm me and I can help you source it, since I'm taking it myself and did a lot of research on it and work tracking it down. In the US you have to go to a compounding pharmacy, or you can get it online for much less $$. Good luck and I hope to hear things are better in a couple of days!!

twochubbycheeks · Jul 1st, 2008, 08:59 PM

Yeah.. like the other ladies have advised.. keep nursing your DS eventhough you think you're not lactating enough. I've experienced this before and what I did was I took a hot shower, relaxed a bit.. drank lots of liquids.. then started nursing my DS again.

I hope everything goes well again... take care!

Sarsi · Jul 1st, 2008, 11:29 PM

Thanks Ladies!!!
Love you all!!!

its a bit hard to relax but I'm trying...
I started eating oatmeal today like Sarah said,
Our pedia also called this afternoon and she also said what everyone advised.
though she didn't say anything about taking Reglan
but she did tell me to give DS 1 ml tylenol drops before I give him the bottle if he doesn't want to take the supplement,
I'm guessing that the tylenol would make him want the supplement on the bottle?

anyways, Kimberf, I will also try the More Milk Plus by Motherlove.
and a hot shower sounds nice right now too

Thanks again Ladies! I'll keep you all posted.

Mrs. MC · Jul 1st, 2008, 11:34 PM

I agree I would nurse frequently but if you feel like your baby is not getting enough food then I would supplement too. My milk supply becomes almost non existent when I get the period. I have regular periods through my entire nursing year with both babies and I would know that I was getting it because I had almost no milk for a few days but I supplemented because my kids were hungry and not getting anything where I normally could feed about 100 babies ! I couldn't see starving the baby at that point so even if you have to pump during the time that you are supplementing to keep up with the supply then things should go back to normal, also try to avoid anything that is a diuretic and drink volumes of water. Good luck !

ChristyR143 · Jul 2nd, 2008, 12:26 AM

Sarsi - I am glad that you were able to talk to your ped and that she was able to ease your mind as well.

Let me just reassure you that there is nothing to worry about. I successfully nursed 2 babies exclusively, never ever needing to supplement not one time - illnesses, supply fluxuations, and nursing strikes aside. Your baby is not taking the supplement because he prefers you. Just keep on nursing, drink lots of water and relax. Your body was designed to do this. Keep us updated, hon!!

kimberf · Jul 2nd, 2008, 01:30 AM

Sarsi - The Reglan would only be a last resort, if in a week or two your milk is still not back up and you wanted to try to boost it more. I think everything else will work before then.

I thought of one other thing that could really help you out right now, though! It's called an SNS, or supplemental nursing system. Basically, it's a little container attached to a long, skinny little tube. You fill the container with milk (or formula) and then position the end of the little tube next to your nipple. When the baby latches, you sneak the tube in his mouth along with your nipple. Then he can get the supplement or milk from the container along with whatever he gets from your breast and not be hungry, but your breasts still get the stimulation that you need to get your production back up, because he has to suck at your nipple. It's not the easiest thing to use, but it's perfect for your circumstances, since it's hard having your baby be hungry even if you know it's the right thing to do.

I know you're in the Bay Area, not sure where, but if you're near one of the Day One locations (Palo Alto, SF, Walnut Creek), I know they carry them. I'm sure if you went to a lactation consultant, she would be able to get you one as well.

pradalove · Jul 2nd, 2008, 01:56 AM

hi sarsi i am a nursing mother as well and exactly this thing happend to me actually i had masititis and dut to that my daugther went on nursing strike coupled up with these two things my ms went drastically down but my lactation consultant told me to drink cranberry juice a lot as it helped in masitis and also to take feugreek caps
it took me four days to get back to it
and yes i had to nurse my anya every hr for those few days
again relax dont stress i know easier said than done
good luck take heart that you are giving your ds the best gift ever (bm)

ChristyR143 · Jul 2nd, 2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimberf

Sarsi - The Reglan would only be a last resort, if in a week or two your milk is still not back up and you wanted to try to boost it more. I think everything else will work before then.

I thought of one other thing that could really help you out right now, though! It's called an SNS, or supplemental nursing system. Basically, it's a little container attached to a long, skinny little tube. You fill the container with milk (or formula) and then position the end of the little tube next to your nipple. When the baby latches, you sneak the tube in his mouth along with your nipple. Then he can get the supplement or milk from the container along with whatever he gets from your breast and not be hungry, but your breasts still get the stimulation that you need to get your production back up, because he has to suck at your nipple. It's not the easiest thing to use, but it's perfect for your circumstances, since it's hard having your baby be hungry even if you know it's the right thing to do.

I know you're in the Bay Area, not sure where, but if you're near one of the Day One locations (Palo Alto, SF, Walnut Creek), I know they carry them. I'm sure if you went to a lactation consultant, she would be able to get you one as well.

That's a really great idea. I didn't even think of one of those!!

kimberf · Jul 2nd, 2008, 10:11 PM

^^ I used the SNS a ton when I was trying to get my supply up in the beginning, because at 4.5 lbs, I had to make sure the baby was getting fed. Like I said, it's not the easiest, but for a few days, I think it's the perfect solution -- Sarsi's DS doesn't have to go hungry, but it should still get production back up.

Sarsi, hon, how are things going? Any improvement yet?

Jul 1st, 2008, 02:32 PM	#1
Sarsi Member Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Bay Area CA. Posts: 1,870	HELP! Milk supply went low! I had a 48 hour bug last weekend and my milk seem to have dried up or something... I still have milk but not as much as before I got sick. My 3 month old DS is complaining but just wont take the supplement on the bottle. I am now nursing or pumping every 2 hours or even less and taking fenugreek to help get my milk going again but right now I dont think its enough. I already called our Pediatrician this morning and I'm still waiting for a response from them. Please help... advise.... if any of you ladies been in this situation... I am just worried that my little one would lose too much weight or worst... __________________ SARSI

Jul 1st, 2008, 03:11 PM	#2
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,553	First of all, take a deep breath and relax!! This is not a big issue and it's easy, easy to fix....all you need to do is: NURSE NURSE NURSE!!! As much as your baby will. Your body will catch up. Don't try to supplement, because that could actually cause some derailing of your efforts. Really, the very best way to increase supply is frequent nursing sessions. Again...don't worry, and just nurse! It'll be okay! __________________

Jul 1st, 2008, 03:47 PM	#3
Sternchen Member Joined: May 2006 Location: Beauty RAOK Posts: 10,406	I know how distressing this can be, but the best thing to do right now is to relax and concentrate on your baby and getting your milk supply back up. Keep nursing or pumping (even if nothing is coming) in order to build up your supply again. It will more than likely come back. If you're deadset on breastfeeding then I wouldn't try to supplement just yet, because like Christy said - it could derail your efforts. Take the Fenugreek and drink teas that will help to boost production __________________

Jul 1st, 2008, 04:53 PM	#4
Sarsi Member Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Bay Area CA. Posts: 1,870	Thanks for the advice ladies... been really stressing about it... and am now trying to relax.... LOL! I just get all worked up whenever I nurse and see my poor baby complain while nursing him, I wont try to give him a bottle anymore (he actually haven't even taken it) and will nurse him more often. I hope it works soon! Thanks again! __________________ SARSI

Jul 1st, 2008, 05:43 PM	#5
sarahsar In LVoe Joined: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,199	It's not uncommon that being sick will decrease your milk supply. As others have said here, nurse as much as possible to keep the supply up. Also, stay well hydrated and eat well. Oatmeal is supposed to help, and fenugreek. There are also prescription medications that can help (I think Reglan? But don't quote me on that). __________________

Jul 1st, 2008, 06:17 PM	#6
addicted2chanel Chanel not war Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,354	Sarsi, don't worry! Nurse him frequently, it takes your body a few days to catch up. Sometimes even four! DS isn't going to starve in that time If he's really super hungry he will take the bottle eventually. Have you tried giving th supplement through a contact nipple shield and a syringe if he doesn't like to take the supplement that much?? Also, don't stress!! It's bad for nursing mommies!! If you're stressed out you and your baby will both have difficulty So just take a bath or do something relaxing! __________________ I want a rainbow of Jumbos Wishlist: Chanel royal patchwork Chanel python soft and chain (I can only hope) Chanel black soft and chain flap Chanel purple Lambskin Jumbo Chanel white Caviar Jumbo Chanel pink Lambskin Jumbo Chanel beige PST

Jul 1st, 2008, 08:55 PM	#7
kimberf Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,085	Hi Sarsi - Sorry to hear you were sick and this is going on. Your production should pick up again soon. If it doesn't, you might want to also try some other supplements -- More Milk Plus by Motherlove is good. If you end up trying the prescription meds (Domperidone , also known as Reglan), pm me and I can help you source it, since I'm taking it myself and did a lot of research on it and work tracking it down. In the US you have to go to a compounding pharmacy, or you can get it online for much less $$. Good luck and I hope to hear things are better in a couple of days!!

Jul 1st, 2008, 08:59 PM	#8
twochubbycheeks Happy Mommy of 2 :) Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 2,284	Yeah.. like the other ladies have advised.. keep nursing your DS eventhough you think you're not lactating enough. I've experienced this before and what I did was I took a hot shower, relaxed a bit.. drank lots of liquids.. then started nursing my DS again. I hope everything goes well again... take care!

Jul 1st, 2008, 11:29 PM	#9
Sarsi Member Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Bay Area CA. Posts: 1,870	Thanks Ladies!!! Love you all!!! its a bit hard to relax but I'm trying... I started eating oatmeal today like Sarah said, Our pedia also called this afternoon and she also said what everyone advised. though she didn't say anything about taking Reglan but she did tell me to give DS 1 ml tylenol drops before I give him the bottle if he doesn't want to take the supplement, I'm guessing that the tylenol would make him want the supplement on the bottle? anyways, Kimberf, I will also try the More Milk Plus by Motherlove. and a hot shower sounds nice right now too Thanks again Ladies! I'll keep you all posted. __________________ SARSI

Jul 1st, 2008, 11:34 PM	#10
Mrs. MC Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,603	I agree I would nurse frequently but if you feel like your baby is not getting enough food then I would supplement too. My milk supply becomes almost non existent when I get the period. I have regular periods through my entire nursing year with both babies and I would know that I was getting it because I had almost no milk for a few days but I supplemented because my kids were hungry and not getting anything where I normally could feed about 100 babies ! I couldn't see starving the baby at that point so even if you have to pump during the time that you are supplementing to keep up with the supply then things should go back to normal, also try to avoid anything that is a diuretic and drink volumes of water. Good luck ! __________________

Jul 2nd, 2008, 12:26 AM	#11
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,553	Sarsi - I am glad that you were able to talk to your ped and that she was able to ease your mind as well. Let me just reassure you that there is nothing to worry about. I successfully nursed 2 babies exclusively, never ever needing to supplement not one time - illnesses, supply fluxuations, and nursing strikes aside. Your baby is not taking the supplement because he prefers you. Just keep on nursing, drink lots of water and relax. Your body was designed to do this. Keep us updated, hon!! __________________

Jul 2nd, 2008, 01:30 AM	#12
kimberf Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,085	Sarsi - The Reglan would only be a last resort, if in a week or two your milk is still not back up and you wanted to try to boost it more. I think everything else will work before then. I thought of one other thing that could really help you out right now, though! It's called an SNS, or supplemental nursing system. Basically, it's a little container attached to a long, skinny little tube. You fill the container with milk (or formula) and then position the end of the little tube next to your nipple. When the baby latches, you sneak the tube in his mouth along with your nipple. Then he can get the supplement or milk from the container along with whatever he gets from your breast and not be hungry, but your breasts still get the stimulation that you need to get your production back up, because he has to suck at your nipple. It's not the easiest thing to use, but it's perfect for your circumstances, since it's hard having your baby be hungry even if you know it's the right thing to do. I know you're in the Bay Area, not sure where, but if you're near one of the Day One locations (Palo Alto, SF, Walnut Creek), I know they carry them. I'm sure if you went to a lactation consultant, she would be able to get you one as well.

Jul 2nd, 2008, 01:56 AM	#13
pradalove Member Joined: May 2008 Posts: 281	hi sarsi i am a nursing mother as well and exactly this thing happend to me actually i had masititis and dut to that my daugther went on nursing strike coupled up with these two things my ms went drastically down but my lactation consultant told me to drink cranberry juice a lot as it helped in masitis and also to take feugreek caps it took me four days to get back to it and yes i had to nurse my anya every hr for those few days again relax dont stress i know easier said than done good luck take heart that you are giving your ds the best gift ever (bm)

Jul 2nd, 2008, 10:11 PM	#15
kimberf Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,085	^^ I used the SNS a ton when I was trying to get my supply up in the beginning, because at 4.5 lbs, I had to make sure the baby was getting fed. Like I said, it's not the easiest, but for a few days, I think it's the perfect solution -- Sarsi's DS doesn't have to go hungry, but it should still get production back up. Sarsi, hon, how are things going? Any improvement yet?